In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Amelia Hruby, feminist philosopher, podcaster, and founder of Softer Sounds, to discuss the radical act of leaving social media and building values-aligned businesses. Amelia shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, how she created a feminist podcast studio, and the intentionality behind slowing down and prioritizing a human-first approach to work. Together, they dive into the challenges of resisting hustle culture, the ethics of using platforms like Substack, and the power of cultivating community outside of algorithm-driven spaces. Whether you're contemplating leaving social media or seeking inspiration for running a feminist business, this episode is full of practical insights and heartfelt wisdom.

Amelia Hruby (she/her) is a writer, educator and podcaster with a PhD in philosophy. She is the founder of Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio for entrepreneurs and creatives. And she’s the host of Off the Grid, a podcast about leaving social media without losing all your clients.

Amelia’s Website | Softer Sounds | Off the Grid | Book

Discussed in This Episode:

• What it means to run a feminist podcast studio
• The challenges and fears of leaving social media as a business owner
• Practical alternatives to social media marketing
• How intentionality can disrupt hustle culture and create space for alignment
• The design and philosophy behind Softer Sounds and Off the Grid
• Why intersectional feminism is at the heart of ethical business practices
• Strategies for visibility without social media
• Balancing creativity, community, and profitability as a service provider

Resources Mentioned:

• Amelia’s dissertation
• “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” by Shoshana Zuboff
• Worthwhile Paper
• Feminist Business School from Sister.is
• “50 Feminist Mantras” by Amelia Hruby
• Designer Kening Zhu
• adrienne maree brown’s Loving Corrections
• Black and Pink PenPals
• Amelia’s Arena boards (from bonus conversation for newsletter subscribers)

If you’ve been grappling with how to align your business with your values or wondering whether leaving social media could work for you, this episode is a must-listen!

In this insightful episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp talks with brand scientist N. Chloé Nwangwu about the unique challenges of building brand visibility for underrepresented and marginalized communities. Chloe brings her rich background in conflict mediation and international politics to her work in visibility engineering, helping brands influence behavior while honoring their identities and values. She and Becky dive into the concept of visibility as a complex, non-neutral force shaped by societal biases and systemic barriers. Together, they unpack key concepts like the ambition penalty, reciprocity gap, and validation paradox, exploring how these invisible forces affect women, people of color, and other under-recognized groups in the branding space. Chloe shares her methodology for creating an “ecosystem of influence” and her unique approach to visibility engineering that helps brands stand out authentically, despite systemic hurdles. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs committed to building brands that reflect their true values and vision for a more inclusive world.

N. Chloé Nwangwu (she/her) is the director of NobiWorks, a brand visibility consultancy rooted in behavioral science. She unabashedly believes brands and visibility strategies not built with power dynamics and biases in mind should consider disappearing from this plane of existence. NobiWorks equips underrecognized brands with visibility strategies and systems scientifically formulated to help them neutralize visibility biases while commanding — and keeping— attention in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Everything you do to be better seen, heard and understood should work. Full stop. And it is her personal mission to make that so.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Discussed in This Episode:

• Chloé’s journey from international conflict mediation to brand strategy and visibility engineering
• The difference between branding and visibility for underrepresented communities vs. mainstream branding
• Visibility biases and the “racial attention deficit” that affect marginalized groups in branding and beyond
• The invisibility tax and ambition penalty, and how these concepts reveal hidden barriers for under-recognized brands
• Cognitive biases in branding and how they create visibility challenges
• The importance of creating an “ecosystem of influence” for sustained brand impact
• Visibility engineering as a strategy for making brands “impossible to ignore”
• Practical steps to structure branding around social impact, inclusivity, and ethical visibility

Resources Mentioned:

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk: We Should All Be Feminists
• About Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s anti-trans rhetoric
• Change by Damon Centola
• Freedom Dreams in Philanthropy
• Resources from Nobiworks

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp chats with Caleb Thomas, a male boudoir photographer, about his journey into empowerment photography and how he uses his work to challenge societal norms. Caleb shares how his boudoir photography, focused on body diversity, self-love, and reclaiming body agency, creates inclusive spaces for plus-size women, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities. They also explore his experiences navigating power imbalances as a cishet male photographer, his TikTok success, and the challenges of social media censorship, as well as his advocacy for Oregon LGBTQ rights.

Caleb Thomas (he/him) is a boudoir photographer based in Bend, Oregon, specializing in empowering, creative boudoir sessions that help folks (particularly women) reclaim their agency, identity, and sensuality. Before being a full time photographer (as well as the de facto stay at home parent of his 5 year old) he worked in tourism marketing, manufacturing marketing, and, most interestingly, (considering his current line of work) was the Media Director for a Megachurch for 5 years. After deconstructing his faith over the course of a decade, Caleb left the church. Caleb lives in Bend, Oregon with his Pastry Chef wife, their 5 year old kiddo, as well as their pup & cat.

Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Discussed in this episode:

• Empowerment photography and the transformative impact of boudoir experiences: Caleb shares how boudoir photography empowers clients by helping them reclaim agency over their bodies, fostering self-love, and providing an experience that celebrates authenticity and confidence.
• The intersection of feminism and male boudoir photography: Caleb discusses navigating power dynamics as a male boudoir photographer and how his feminist approach centers clients’ comfort, challenging traditional gender norms.
• Body positivity and creating inclusive spaces for plus-size and LGBTQ clients: Caleb explains his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for clients of all body types and identities, helping them embrace and celebrate their bodies through photography.
• Caleb’s personal journey of evangelical deconstruction and how it influences his work: Caleb reflects on leaving behind his conservative religious upbringing and how that journey has shaped his feminist values and approach to photography.
• The challenges of growing a photography business on TikTok and battling social media censorship: Caleb shares how his TikTok success grew his business but also how social media platforms censor his empowering content while allowing more exploitative material to thrive.
• Advocacy for Oregon LGBTQ rights and supporting the Bend Pride Coalition: Caleb highlights his work with the Bend Pride Coalition, supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in conservative areas and advocating for safer, more inclusive spaces.

Resources Mentioned:

• Babe City Boudoir
• “Ending the Pursuit of Perfection” TED Talk by Iskra Lawrence
• Bend Pride Coalition

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp chats with Zia Dione about her unique journey through feminism and how her views evolved into womanism. Zia shares her thoughts on the differences between Feminism vs. Womanism, exploring the importance of intersectionality in business and how her personal experiences shaped her passion for creating a cooperative business model. They dive deep into Zia’s mission to disrupt traditional publishing with her self-publishing cooperative, "Trunk of My Car," which offers a community-based and ethical alternative to platforms like Amazon KDP. Zia also explains how the multi-stakeholder cooperative structure can create a fairer system for authors, editors, designers, and readers, while reflecting her commitment to Black feminism and feminist entrepreneurship.

Zia Dione (she/her) is an emerging writer focused on healing intergenerational trauma & building/supporting solidarity & sustainable economies. Zia is certified in permaculture design, has a law degree from the University of Baltimore & is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Nonfiction at Pacific University. Yes, she chose a new name.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in This Episode:

• The distinction between Feminism vs. Womanism and how intersectional feminism plays a role in Zia’s vision
• Zia's personal and professional journey that led her to develop a self-publishing cooperative as an alternative to Amazon KDP
• How a multi-stakeholder cooperative empowers authors, readers, and workers alike in cooperative publishing
• The impact of Black feminism on Zia’s approach to feminist entrepreneurship
• The challenges and benefits of creating a community-based business model in a highly individualistic world
• Ethical business models that focus on fairness, sustainability, and collective growth
• Why it's important to seek alternatives to Amazon self-publishing and what makes Trunk of My Car stand out

Resources Mentioned:

• “Collective Courage” by Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard
  
  

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In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp interviews Ola Akimowo, the visionary behind the Free Black Women’s Library in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. They discuss Ola’s journey of creating a grassroots, community-driven space dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women and Black non-binary writers through literature, art, and mutual aid initiatives. From the library's unique book swap system to its role as a Black feminist archive and community care space, Ola shares how this social art project fosters activism and intergenerational connections while fighting gentrification. Together, they explore the importance of Black feminism, intersectionality, and the powerful stories that shape this transformative library.

Olaronke Akinmowo (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, librarian and cultural worker. She is also the Creator and Director of The Free Black Women’s Library, a literary hub, community care space and social art project located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. This grassroots space features over 5000 books written by Black women and Black non-binary folks, a free store, a period pantry, a backyard garden, a reading club and a wide range of free public programs, mutual aid initiatives and creative workshops. The library offers people of all ages, races and genders a space to read, write, work, rest, dream and connect. She is also a proud mom, union member, set decorator, busy body, book fairy, plant fiend, and dance machine. She grows and thrives in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The founding of the Free Black Women’s Library and its growth from 100 to over 6,000 books
• How the library serves as a social art project, community care space, and Black feminist archive
• The role of Black feminist literature and authors like Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Jesmyn Ward
• Ola’s journey from street protests to library activism and her experience with gentrification in Brooklyn
• The library’s book swap system, mutual aid programs, and community organizing efforts
• The challenges of crowdfunding and maintaining the library as a grassroots space
• The significance of intersectional feminism and Black queer representation in literature

Resources Mentioned:

• GiveButter Crowdfunding Campaign for the Free Black Women’s Library
• “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward
• “All About Love” by bell hooks
• “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler
• Free Black Women’s Library merch
• Patreon link to support Ola directly
• PO Address for Free Black Women's Library:

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp speaks with Caroline J. Sumlin, author of We’ll All Be Free, about the deep connections between trauma, systemic oppression, and self-worth. Caroline shares her personal journey as a Black woman navigating imposter syndrome, unworthiness, and societal conditioning. The conversation explores how white supremacy, capitalism, and patriarchal trauma affect self-worth, particularly for women and marginalized communities. Caroline highlights the importance of holistic healing and personal liberation, emphasizing that worthiness is inherent and healing is a lifelong journey. Tune in for an empowering discussion on reclaiming self-worth, healing from societal and personal trauma, and navigating motherhood, race, and feminism.

Caroline J. Sumlin (she/her) is a writer, speaker, and educator with a passion for helping all people reclaim their self-worth and their humanity. A former foster child turned adoptee, Caroline brings awareness, healing, and liberation to the topics of toxic white supremacy culture, systemic injustice, mental health, faith reconstruction, and bold, purposeful living to her growing audience. Prior to writing full-time, Caroline served as a special education teacher in the DC area for five years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Howard University. Caroline resides with her husband and two daughters in Northern Virginia.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this episode:

• How unworthiness and imposter syndrome affect women and marginalized communities
• The role of white supremacy and capitalism in shaping our self-worth
• Caroline’s journey as a Black woman overcoming imposter syndrome and personal trauma
• The connection between societal conditioning, trauma, and personal liberation
• How motherhood and self-worth intersect, and the challenges for working mothers
• The importance of holistic healing and systemic change in overcoming unworthiness
• Intersectional feminism and the impact of race on self-worth
• The importance of healing from societal trauma and reclaiming worthiness

Resources mentioned:

• We’ll All Be Free by Caroline J. Sumlin
• Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings
• Music is Unity

Erica Courdae joins Becky Mollenkamp for an eye-opening conversation on collective healing, interdependence, and the intersections of feminism. They dive into the difference between equity and equality, explore the power of shadow work for personal and collective liberation, and unpack the toxic culture of hyper-independence in society and business. Erica shares her journey from the beauty industry into coaching and DEI work, highlighting the importance of values-based leadership and the need to foster truly interdependent communities. Together, they challenge mainstream narratives, discuss the ongoing challenges of practicing imperfect allyship, and explore how individuals can cultivate intuition and connection as part of their leadership.

Erica Courdae Coté (she/her) is committed to shifting focus, power, and resources to support individual healing to foster a thriving community collective. She takes action through being an author coach, mentor, speaker, and 25+ year beauty industry veteran. Erica believes imperfect action is necessary as a pivotal part of evolution and growth. In 2018, Erica co-founded the Pause on the Play Podcast, which also expanded to include a consultancy. She has provided training for established businesses such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Martha Beck Incorporated, and Paul Mitchell School. Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The difference between equity and equality and why equity matters more in feminism
• Why interdependence is the future of sustainable communities and businesses
• The journey from hyper-independence to interdependence in life and work
• How shadow work can lead to personal and collective healing
• Feminism and intersectionality: why the personal is always political
• Erica’s transition from the beauty industry to DEI work and coaching
• The importance of values-based business and leadership
• Understanding intuition and its role in effective leadership
• The significance of collective action in social change

Resources Mentioned:

• “Who Are You? A Shadow Work Journal for Self-Exploration” by Erica Courdae: https://amzn.to/3ZOgkcW
• Pause on the Play: https://pauseontheplay.com/
• Erica’s free course: Shadow Work for Collective Healing: https://www.ericacourdae.com/shadowworkcourse
• From Implicit to Explicit workshop from Pause on the Play: https://pauseontheplay.com/explicit
• “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho: https://amzn.to/4dvVxha
• Backyard Basecamp: https://backyardbasecamp.org/

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp interviews Sean Adams, founder of Drowned in Sound and music industry expert, to discuss the complexities of feminism in the music industry. They explore the challenges for female musicians, the barriers to equality in music, and how allyship plays a crucial role in creating ethical and empowering spaces. Sean shares his insights on toxic masculinity in music, the importance of safe spaces for women in live music, and what it means to promote an inclusive, values-driven business model in the music world. This conversation dives deep into how the music industry can better support marginalized artists, combat sexism and misogyny, and work towards equality in every facet of the industry.

Sean Adams (he/him) founded the music community and music publication Drowned in Sound in 2000. It grew to be a record label that launched the careers of artists such as Kaiser Chiefs and Bat for Lashes, as well as pioneering with an award-winning podcast back in 2005, developing groundbreaking playlist features, and launched spin-off websites like The Quietus. Alongside running the media organization, Sean has also managed various musicians including Charlotte Church, Ed Harcourt, and The Anchoress. Outside of music, he’s a member of The Movement Forward political group alongside the likes of Carol Vorderman and was the launch producer for The Trawl podcast hosted by Marina Purkiss & Jemma Forte.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The challenges facing female musicians and the barriers created by gender inequality
• How men can be better allies to women in the music industry
• The pervasive nature of toxic masculinity in music spaces
• Why supporting marginalized artists is crucial for creating equality in music
• Insights into promoting female artists and empowering women in music
• The importance of safe gigs for women and fostering safe spaces in live music settings
• Social responsibility in music and ethical music business practices
• Misogyny in live music and how the feminist music movement is pushing back

Resources Mentioned:

• Safe Gigs for Women
• Drowned in Sound